Maresca commented on the defensive lapses after the match: "We'd rather have won 1-0; we need to improve our ability to control the game."

After leading his team to a 5-3 victory over Sunderland, Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca stated in a post-match interview that he would have preferred a clean sheet to secure three points rather than this high-scoring, open game.

"To be honest, I would have preferred a narrow 1-0 victory to a 5-3 defeat," Maresca admitted, adding that Sunderland's aggressiveness and attacking style made the game extremely difficult. "They press fiercely off the ball and are very threatening with the ball, like Brobby. But we eventually found a way to win. These seven games have all been different. Last time we played with ten men, and today the situation was even more complicated. We must learn from this."

Speaking about their control of the game and defensive performance, Maresca expressed concern: "I've been thinking about how we can do better. Two of the goals we conceded were too easy, one from Xhaka's quick free kick, and the other also stemming from a free kick error."

"Although we scored five goals and even had chances to score two or three more, we did give the opponent too many opportunities on the defensive end. The opponent did their best to disrupt our possession rhythm, and we must improve our ability to control the game."

In addition, Maresca also praised the performance of individual players: "Jeremi was outstanding, providing assists for both Josko and Niko. Iliman and Antoine also played very well. Overall, the team performed well, and everyone overcame many challenges today, including competing for second balls and physical confrontations."

Image source: Internet/ESPN official website